his was recently forwarded to me...<P><BR>Some time ago, a few ladies met in a certain city to read the <BR>scriptures and make them the subject of conversation. While <BR>reading the third chapter of Malachi they came upon a <BR>remarkable expression in the third verse. "And He shall sit <BR>as a refiner and purifier of silver."<P>One lady's opinion was that it was intended to convey the view of <BR>the sanctifying influence of the grace of Christ. Then she proposed <BR>to visit a silversmith and report to them what he said on the <BR>subject. She went accordingly and without telling the smith of her <BR>errand, begged to know about the process of refining silver, which <BR>he fully described to her.<P>"But Sir" she said, "while the work of refining is going on, do <BR>you stand or do you sit?" The silversmith replied, "I must sit with <BR>my eye steadily fixed on the furnace, for if the time necessary for <BR>refining be exceeded in the slightest degree, the silver will be <BR>injured."<P>The lady at once saw the beauty, and comfort too, of the expression, <BR>"He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." Christ sees it <BR>needful to put His children into a furnace. His eye is steadily intent <BR>on the work of purifying, and His wisdom and love are both engaged in <BR>the best manner for them. Their trials do not come at random for <BR>"the very hairs of your head are all numbered."<P>As the lady was leaving the shop, the silversmith called her back, and<BR>said he had forgotten to mention that he only knows when the process of<BR>purifying is complete when he sees his own image reflected in the<BR>silver.<BR>